2015 Land Rover Range Rover Review

The Land Rover brand launched in 1948 and has always maintained its unique and lofty status among its peers. The 2015 Land Rover Range Rover represents the top of the brand, a model that successfully blends opulence with ruggedness.

Land Rover established Range Rover in 1970, representing the preeminent model for this quintessential British marque. The 2015 Range Rover supplies incomparable elegance with no loss of off-road utility, a rare blend for any kind of vehicle. Standard and long wheelbase models are available.

Exterior

One look at the Land Rover Range Rover makes it clear that this model projects strength. Its proportions rival some of the largest SUVs on the market, especially when the long-wheelbase model is selected. That model adds 7.3 inches to the wheelbase with the extended area benefitting rear seating passengers.

The Range Rover’s front fascia is dominated by a large, chrome horizontal grille flanked by wrap around headlamp assemblies. The hood is long and even, the sides fairly nondescript with chrome trim running along the rocker panels.

An oversized greenhouse gives this model a commanding appearance, marked by an expansive windshield.

To the rear, Range Rover has a unique liftgate design with upper and lower sections opening for ease of access. Vertical taillights, a liftgate spoiler and chrome trim round out the rear visage.

Interior

The Land Rover Range Rover offers seating for five, including the long wheelbase edition. Where lesser and smaller SUVs cram in a third-row seat at much loss to cabin or storage room — usually both — the Range Rover places the emphasis on passenger comfort. It is unlikely that any SUV is as comfortable for five passengers as this model.

The Range Rover’s interior is cavernous, bright and uncluttered. It is satiated in leather, aluminum and wood. Certainly, the Range Rover embraces modern technologies, but does so in a clean and simple way.

The electronic instrument panel is dominated by a pair of circular tachometer and speedometer displays with a digital driver’s information display centered between the two. That system is managed by steering wheel-mounted knobs and switches.

The center console features a colorful display, providing access to audio, climate control and navigation functions. Compatible apps extend its usefulness, bringing in personalized radio, hotel and entertainment ordering, and other useful features. Below the display are knobs for managing climate control.

Between the seats is a transmission knob and a smaller terrain management system knob to optimize traction in a variety of on-road and off-road conditions. Additional switches nearby manage traction control, hill ascent and hill descent. A padded arm rest doubling as a deep storage compartment divides the front seats.

Those seats are as supportive and comfortable as you will find in any large SUV. That’s worth noting for people of a tall stature who may find few reasonable choices. The front seats come with 10-way adjustment and also include power cushion tilt. A power tilt and telescopic steering column is standard.

The split-folding rear seat offers very good room regardless of the seating position. There is enough room for three adults to ride in comfort or you can fold down the generously apportioned middle seat position for an oversized arm rest. The rear seat offers 40 inches of standard legroom.

Choose the extended-wheelbase model and every added inch benefits the back row passengers. An available seating upgrade brings in reclining, extending and massage-equipped seats.

Performance

The 2015 Land Rover Range Rover offers two engine choices. The base engine is a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 making 340 horsepower. Also available is a supercharged, 5.0-liter V8 engine rated at 510 horsepower. Both engines come paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Models equipped with the standard engine are EPA-rated 17/23 mpg city/highway. With the V8, the Land Rover Range Rover is rated at 14/19 mpg city/highway.

Both engines provide superior power with a long power curve.

The larger engine may seem unnecessary, but it might prove better suited for towing when carrying a full contingent of passengers. Both models have a 7,716-pound trailering capacity.

The standard 4×4 system performs admirably on and off road. It helps mitigate some of the diving into twists and turns that’s common to SUVs. Ride quality equals what many luxury sedans offer. No off-road testing was conducted, although Land Rover claims the Range Rover can safely ford three feet of standing water.

Technology

The centerpiece of Range Rover technology is its Meridian audio system, which provides world-class sound. Three levels of Meridian systems are available, comprising a 1,700-watt 3D surround sound system with 29 speakers, including a subwoofer. The related audio tuning system advances distortion-free sound across all seating positions.

Another technological standout for Range Rover is the available four-zone climate control system. This system provides separate controls for the driver, front passenger and passengers in the outboard rear seats. The outlets are strategically placed at face, foot and hip levels to optimize comfort and control.

Other technological features include keyless entry with push-button start, an available DVD playback system with an 8-inch touch screen and Bluetooth audio streaming.

Safety

There have been no current crashworthiness tests for the Range Rover conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

A surround-view camera system, automatic headlamps, and trailer reverse and hitch guidance are also included.

Cost-Effectiveness

Land Rover prices the 2015 Range Rover from $83,495. The long-wheelbase model is priced from $95,195. Upgrading to the supercharged V8 engine prices this model from $101,995 — add $5,000 to that price for the stretched wheelbase version.

Various “Autobiography” editions add to the base price, bringing in designer touches, including bespoke seat covers, exclusive wheels, a rear seat entertainment system and other amenities.

Overall

The Land Rover Range Rover does everything to advance the Land Rover name. Its combination of size, elegance and off-road capabilities are not matched by others, including the Mercedes-Benz G550. However, the higher end Range Rover models are pricey and likely desired only by people for whom money is of no consideration.

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